Britain & Ireland Highlights Preview 2012

This is a charming introduction to Great Britain which includes the fascinating cities of London, York, Glasgow, Dublin and Waterford, as well as ancient sites like Stonehenge. See Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, cross the Welsh valleys to reach Cardiff and see Roman spas in Bath.

Itinerary

Day 1
Overnight flight to London.

Day 2
ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! After checking into your Trafalgar hotel, time is at leisure to relax and unwind.

Hotel: Hilton Olympia (F)

Day 3
LONDON - STRATFORD - YORK - HARROGATE
Greetings from your Tour Director this morning as you begin with a scenic drive through Oxfordshire's countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon. On arrival see Anne Hathaway's cottage at Shottery and then visit the house where Shakespeare was born. This afternoon continue to Viking York where a walking tour takes you through the historic streets to the cobbled Shambles, around part of the city walls and finally to the magnificent York Minster. This evening your overnight stay is in lovely Harrogate. Enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 4
HARROGATE - LAKE DISTRICT - GLASGOW (2 nights)
This morning after breakfast a beautiful drive takes you through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the quaint villages and scenic glory of the Lake District. Later, cross the border into Bonnie Scotland and drive through the Southern Uplands en route to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and former center of the shipbuilding industry. On your orientation tour see George Square and the Cathedral as well as the River Clyde.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Day 5
EDINBURGH EXCURSION
Your morning drive brings you to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, where a guided sightseeing tour shows you Princes Street, the Royal Mile, views of Holyrood House as well as the new Scottish Parliament. An expert guided visit to Edinburgh's imposing Castle completes your tour. After some free time leave Edinburgh and make your way through the Trossachs National Park to a very special 'Be My Guest' venue. Here you will enjoy Scottish hospitality and a traditional meal.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

Day 6
GLASGOW - BELFAST - DUBLIN (2 nights)
An early start today as you drive along the rugged Ayrshire coast with its many seals and wild birds. Continue past the Isle of Ailsa Craig, known as the stepping stone from Ireland to Scotland. Pass Turnberry and its exquisite golf course. Finally in Stranraer you board the ferry to Belfast in Northern Ireland. On arrival in Belfast a sightseeing tour with a local expert guide shows you both sides of this fascinating city including the City Hall and Queen's University, as well as the dock where the Titanic was built. Then travel south, crossing the River Boyne at Drogheda to Dublin.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Day 7
DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE
Your morning sightseeing tour in this 'fair city' with a local expert shows you Trinity College, the Bank of Ireland, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the Georgian Squares. The rest of your day is at leisure. You may wish to shop for Irish tweeds and linen in O'Connell or Henry Streets or perhaps take a trip to Glendalough. This evening consider joining in the excitement at an Irish cabaret.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Day 8
DUBLIN - KILDARE - WATERFORD
Today after a good Irish breakfast your first stop will be at the Irish National Stud located outside the town of Kildare. Here enjoy a guided walking tour through the tranquillity of the grounds and gardens. See world-class stallions and have time to visit the glorious Japanese Garden. Then travel on Irish country roads through the 'Boreens' to medieval Kilkenny where you see the ancient Castle. Later drive to Waterford Crystal where you have an included factory tour and showroom visit. You will get to see the beautiful displays of crystal glass before continuing on to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Day 9
WATERFORD - CARDIFF
An early start this morning as you travel to Rosslare Harbor where you board your ferry to Pembroke in South Wales, seat of the Tudor dynasty. Drive along the heritage coast and continue on to the Welsh capital, Cardiff. Here stop to view its historic Castle and see the Millennium Stadium Cardiff Arms Park. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Director and new-found friends.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 10
CARDIFF - BATH - STONEHENGE - LONDON
This morning after crossing the Severn Bridge head back into England to the glorious city of Bath. On arrival an orientation tour shows you its graceful terraces and includes a visit to the Baths dating from Roman times. From here continue to the mysterious monolithic stone circle at Stonehenge - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then continue on to Salisbury with time to view its impressive Cathedral - with the tallest spire in Britain. Finally return to London in the afternoon with a night at leisure to explore this lively city.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Hilton Olympia (F)

Day 11
This morning after breakfast, time to bid farewell to London and your fellow travelers as your memorable vacation comes to an end.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

• Stratford upon Avon: Visit William Shakespeare's birthplace and see Anne Hathaway's cottage.
• York: Walking tour including the Minster and Shambles.
• Glasgow: Orientation of cathedral, George Square and the River Clyde.
• Edinburgh: Visit the Castle and views of Holyrood House.
• Belfast: See the City Hall and Queen's University.
• Dublin: Views of St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College.
• Kildare: Visit Irish National Stud Farm and Japanese Garden.
• Kilkenny: View its ancient Castle.
• Waterford: Enjoy a factory tour and showroom visit at the new Waterford Crystal facility.
• Cardiff: View Cardiff Castle.
• Bath: View the Roman Baths.
• Stonehenge: Visit the stone circle.
• Salisbury: View the cathedral.

Dining Highlights

• 1 continental breakfast and 1 buffet breakfast in London
• 7 full English, Scottish or Irish breakfasts
• 1 three-course dinner
• 'Be My Guest' dinner experience near Stirling
• Farewell dinner with wine in Cardiff
12 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

Travel Highlights

• Accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges, taxes, baggage handling and hotel tips are included.
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats.
• Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director.
• The services of a Trafalgar Representative at your London hotel.
• Specialised local guide in Edinburgh, Dublin and Belfast.
• Ferry across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Northern Ireland and Ireland to South Wales.
• For London airport shuttle service, conditions apply.
• A stylish wallet, tour documents and a Welcome on Tour book.